Interim valuations and payment

Published August 2015
Effective from 12 November 2015

Most construction contracts require interim payments to be paid to the contractor. This is to relieve the contractor of the burden of financing the whole of the works until completion; works which may take many months or years to complete.

This guidance note covers:
- conditions of contract
- payment mechanisms
- retention
- valuation process and
- standard forms and covering letters.


This guidance note contains some material that is in the process of being updated for revisions to the CDM Regulations, RIBA Plan of Work, and updates to the JCT, NEC and FIDIC suites. Members are made aware of these impending revisions in order that they first check the most up to date position before electing to act in accordance with this guidance document.

This is part of RICS' Black Book, which is a collection of technical practice documents that covers all processes throughout the construction project life cycle. The documents are essential development tools for junior professionals working through their APC and useful guides to best practice for more experienced professionals.

A project is currently underway to review and update the Black Book content with the aim of producing a comprehensive new edition. Expected to publish in 2025, the new Black Book will comprise an overarching global professional standard, accompanied by practical guidance material.